Becker County Man Sentenced for Meth and DWI
Becker County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fargo man has been sentenced in Becker County District Court for felony drug possession and gross misdemeanor driving while impaired.
According to court documents, Kenneth Allen Schwindt, 58, was stopped on December 28, 2024, while driving a vehicle towing a utility trailer with no working taillights on County Road 56. During the stop, a Becker County deputy observed that Schwindt appeared fidgety and had constricted pupils. When questioned, Schwindt admitted to having a knife near the passenger seat and methamphetamine in his pocket.
A search turned up a capsule containing 0.43 grams of meth with packaging. Court records show Schwindt had a prior DWI conviction in 2019.
On October 22, Schwindt appeared before District Judge Michael D. Fritz. The court granted a stay of adjudication on the felony drug charge, meaning it will be dismissed if Schwindt completes probation. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail, five years of supervised probation, and fined $750.
For the DWI conviction, Schwindt received a sentence of 180 days in jail, with 150 days stayed for four years. He must serve 15 days in custody and 15 days on electronic home monitoring. He must also complete a chemical assessment and continue supervised probation for four years. An additional $825 in fines and fees brings his total to $1,575.
Drivers are reminded to ensure proper vehicle lighting and to avoid operating vehicles while under the influence. For more on Minnesota DWI penalties, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
